Dons topple Pool in final game before Plough Lane return
AFC WIMBLEDON 1 BLACKPOOL 0
By Dan Marsh
AFC Wimbledon picked up their first ‘home’ win of the season with a 1-0 triumph over nine-man Blackpool in their final game at Loftus Road before their return to Plough Lane.
Callum Reilly’s first goal of the season was enough to see the Dons return to winning ways against the visitors who ended up with just nine men on the pitch.
Both Ethan Robson and Daniel Ballard were dismissed with straight red cards after Reilly’s strike midway through the first half.
The Dons haven’t enjoyed the best of results during their temporary tenancy at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, failing to record a league win in three previous attempts. Blackpool arrived in West London with a torrid away record, failing to taste victory on the road in a staggering 21 matches.
It was the hosts who broke the deadlock after 13 minutes – and they found their breakthrough in style. Reilly found himself with the ball on the right-hand side of the penalty area after good work from Shane McLoughlin. The midfield man smoothly cut inside of his marker to bend home a smart left-footed finish.
Skipper Joe Pigott has been a threat from set-pieces and he went close midway through the opening period as the hosts pushed for a second.
The Dons didn’t find another goal before the break, but they did receive a boost of sorts just before the interval. Blackpool were reduced to 10 men, with Robson dismissed following a poor tackle on Reilly.
Wimbledon went in search of a second goal to kill the game off straight after the restart, with Ethan Chislett going close before Pigott was superbly denied by Chris Maxwell in the visiting goal.
The visitors had their moments despite their numerical disadvantage, but the game was effectively put beyond their reach in the final 15 minutes. Ballard was the second Blackpool player to be given his marching orders after an aerial collision with McLoughlin.
The Dons have made a habit of throwing away points from winning positions so far this season, but they made the most of their two-man advantage to see the game out and record their first victory at their temporary home – and their last there – ahead of their emotional return home to Plough Lane on Tuesday.
See Friday’s South London Press for interviews with manager Glyn Hodges, commercial director Ivor Heller and former chief executive Erik Samuelson about the Dons’ return to their spiritual home.
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Whilst not the best of games last night, it was a win.
As one of those media types and part of the AFC Wimbledon media team, I just want to thank QPR and their staff in hosting the club this season.
They have been brilliant, and it was great to finally win against Blackpool – strange state of affairs with the club and their non-winning run away from home.
They will sort it out.
Tuesday 3 November will be a very emotional evening for so many …… my late father passed away in 1992, and my mother in 1995. Neither ever had the opportunity of seeing us play back in our home borough after the club left in 1991.
It has been a long and winding road full of drama, disappointment and celebrations.
WISA, The Dons Trust and primarily the supporters have driven this through, and we head home next week.
Thank you also to all the press (especially the SLP) for their support down the years, and other supporters who have encouraged us all every step of the way.
There will be some very sore heads on Wednesday morning me thinks.